SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company in United States (“U.S.”) dollars and in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), applied on a consistent basis. In preparing the Company’s consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant estimates made by management include: provisions for product returns, rebates, chargebacks, discounts and allowances, and distribution fees paid to certain wholesalers; useful lives of amortizable intangible assets and property, plant and equipment; expected future cash flows used in evaluating intangible assets for impairment, assessing compliance with debt covenants and making going concern assessments; reporting unit fair values for testing goodwill for impairment and allocating goodwill to new reporting unit structure on a relative fair value basis; provisions for loss contingencies; provisions for income taxes, uncertain tax positions and realizability of deferred tax assets; and the allocation of the purchase price for acquired assets and businesses, including the fair value of contingent consideration. Under certain product manufacturing and supply agreements, management relies on estimates for future returns, rebates and chargebacks made by the Company’s commercialization counterparties.

On an ongoing basis, management reviews its estimates to ensure that these estimates appropriately reflect changes in the Company’s business and new information as it becomes available. If historical experience and other factors used by management to make these estimates do not reasonably reflect future activity, the Company’s consolidated financial statements could be materially impacted.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and those of its subsidiaries and any variable interest entities (“VIEs”) for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform to the current year presentation.

To enhance comparability of the Company's asset impairments from period to period, the Company has made reclassifications to the 2015 and 2014 consolidated statements of (loss) income to include a line item for the presentation of Asset impairments from line items previously disclosed as Amortization and impairments of finite-lived intangible assets and Acquired in-process research and development impairments and other charges as follows:



(in millions)	As Initially Recorded				Reclassification						As Reclassified
(Income) / Expense	2015		2014		2015			2014			2015		2014
Amortization of intangible assets	$	2,418	$	1,551	$	(161	)	$	(124	)	$	2,257	$	1,427
Asset impairments	—		—		304			145			304		145
Acquired in-process research and development costs	249		41		(143		)	(21		)	106		20
	$	2,667	$	1,592	$	—		$	—		$	2,667	$	1,592

Additionally, there was a reclassification of $153 million and $72 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, related to a change in income taxes payable that increased deferred income taxes and decreased accounts payable, accrued and other liabilities within changes in operating assets and liabilities within cash flows from operating activities of the consolidated statements of cash flows.

During the third quarter of 2016, the Company changed its reportable segments to (i) Bausch + Lomb/International, (ii) Branded Rx and (iii) U.S. Diversified Products. As a result, the prior period presentation has been recast to conform to the current segment reporting structure. See Note 22 for additional information.

Acquisitions

Acquired businesses are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting, which requires that assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recorded at fair value, with limited exceptions. Any excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Transaction costs and costs to restructure the acquired company are expensed as incurred. The operating results of the acquired business are reflected in the consolidated financial statements after the date of acquisition. Acquired in-process research and development (“IPR&D”) is recognized at fair value and initially characterized as an indefinite-lived intangible asset, irrespective of whether the acquired IPR&D has an alternative future use. If the acquired net assets do not constitute a business under the acquisition method of accounting, the transaction is accounted for as an asset acquisition and no goodwill is recognized. In an asset acquisition, the amount allocated to acquired IPR&D with no alternative future use is charged to expense at the acquisition date.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The estimated fair values of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their carrying values due to their short maturity periods. The fair value of acquisition-related contingent consideration is based on estimated discounted future cash flows or Monte Carlo Simulation analyses and assessment of the probability of occurrence of potential future events. The fair values of marketable securities and long-term debt are based on quoted market prices, if available, or estimated discounted future cash flows.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities and trade receivables.

The Company invests its excess cash in high-quality, money market instruments and term deposits with varying maturities, but typically less than three months. The Company’s cash and cash equivalents are invested in various investment grade institutional money market accounts and bank term deposits. Deposits held at banks may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. Generally, these deposits may be redeemed upon demand and are maintained with financial institutions with reputable credit and therefore bear minimal credit risk. The Company seeks to mitigate such risks by spreading its risk across multiple counterparties and monitoring the risk profiles of these counterparties.

The Company’s trade receivables primarily represent amounts due from wholesale distributors, retail pharmacies, government entities and group purchasing organizations. Outside of the U.S., concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables, which are typically unsecured, are limited due to the number of customers using the Company’s products, as well as their dispersion across many different geographic regions. The Company performs periodic credit evaluations of customers and does not require collateral. The Company monitors economic conditions, including volatility associated with international economies, and related impacts on the relevant financial markets and its business, especially in light of sovereign credit issues. The credit and economic conditions within Italy, Portugal, Spain, Greece, among other members of the European Union, Russia, Brazil, and Egypt have been weak in recent years. In November 2016, as a result of the Egyptian government’s decision to float the Egyptian pound and un-peg it to the U.S. Dollar, the Egyptian pound was significantly devalued. The Company's exposure to the Egyptian pound is primarily with respect to the Amoun Pharmaceutical Company S.A.E. business acquired in October 2015, which represented approximately 2% of the Company's 2016 total revenues. These conditions have increased, and may continue to increase, the average length of time that it takes to collect on the Company’s trade receivables outstanding in these countries. An allowance for doubtful accounts is maintained for potential credit losses based on the aging of trade receivables, historical bad debts experience, and changes in customer payment patterns. Trade receivable balances are written off against the allowance when it is deemed probable that the receivable will not be collected. Trade receivables, net are stated net of reserves for sales returns and allowances and provisions for doubtful accounts of $80 million and $67 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

As of December 31, 2016, the Company’s three largest U.S. wholesaler customers accounted for approximately 40% of net trade receivables. In addition, as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company’s net trade receivable balance from Russia, Egypt, Italy, Brazil, Spain, Greece and Portugal amounted to $214 million and $253 million, respectively, the majority of which is current or less than 90 days past due. The portion of the net trade receivable from these countries that is past due more than 90 days amounted to $7 million, in the aggregate, as of December 31, 2016, a portion of which is comprised of public hospitals. Based on analysis of bad debt experience and assessment of historical payment patterns for such customers, the Company has established a reserve covering approximately half of the balance past due more than 90 days for such countries, in the aggregate. The Company has not experienced any significant losses from uncollectible accounts in the three-year period ended December 31, 2016. The Company recognized incremental reserves of $27 million in the fourth quarter of 2015 primarily related to (i) a settlement with R&O Pharmacy, LLC regarding outstanding receivable amounts and (ii) receivables from certain customers of Philidor Rx Services, LLC ("Philidor"), a variable interest entity which the Company consolidated during the period from December 2014 to January 2016 (see Note 3).

Inventories

Inventories comprise raw materials, work in process, and finished goods, which are valued at the lower of cost or market, on a first-in, first-out basis. Cost for work in process and finished goods inventories includes materials, direct labor, and an allocation of overheads. Market for raw materials is replacement cost, and for work in process and finished goods is net realizable value.

The Company evaluates the carrying value of inventories on a regular basis, taking into account such factors as historical and anticipated future sales compared with quantities on hand, the price the Company expects to obtain for products in their respective markets compared with historical cost and the remaining shelf life of goods on hand.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are reported at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Costs incurred on assets under construction are capitalized as construction in progress. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method, commencing when the assets become available for productive use, based on the following estimated useful lives:



Buildings		Up to 40 years
Machinery and equipment		3 - 20 years
Other equipment		3 - 10 years
Equipment on operating lease		Up to 5 years
Leasehold improvements and capital leases		Lesser of term of lease or 10 years

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets are reported at cost, less accumulated amortization. Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Amortization is calculated primarily using the straight-line method based on the following estimated useful lives:



Product brands		2 - 20 years
Corporate brands		6 - 20 years
Product rights		3 - 15 years
Partner relationships		5 - 9 years
Out-licensed technology and other		5 - 10 years

Divestitures of Products

The Company nets the proceeds on the divestitures of products with the carrying amount of the related assets and records a gain/loss on sale within Other expense (income). Any contingent payments that are potentially due to the Company as a result of these divestitures are recorded when realizable.

IPR&D

The fair value of IPR&D acquired through a business combination is capitalized as an indefinite-lived intangible asset until the completion or abandonment of the related research and development activities. When the related research and development is completed, the asset will be assigned a useful life and amortized.

The fair value of an IPR&D intangible asset is typically determined using an income approach. This approach starts with a forecast of the net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset over its estimated useful life. The net cash flows reflect the asset’s stage of completion, the probability of technical success, the projected costs to complete, expected market competition, and an assessment of the asset’s life-cycle. The net cash flows are then adjusted to present value by applying an appropriate discount rate that reflects the risk factors associated with the cash flow streams.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets with finite lives are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. If indicators of impairment are present, the asset is tested for recoverability by comparing the carrying value of the asset to the related estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be derived from the asset. If the expected cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset, then the asset is considered to be impaired and its carrying value is written down to fair value, based on the related estimated discounted future cash flows.

Indefinite-lived intangible assets, including acquired IPR&D and the corporate trademark acquired in the acquisition of Bausch & Lomb Holdings Incorporated (the ‘‘B&L Trademark’’), are tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances between annual tests indicate that the asset may be impaired. Impairment losses on indefinite-lived intangible assets are recognized based solely on a comparison of the fair value of the asset to its carrying value.

Goodwill

Goodwill is calculated as the difference between the acquisition date fair value of the consideration transferred and the values assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment at least annually as of October 1^st at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is the same as, or one level below, an operating segment.

An interim goodwill impairment test in advance of the annual impairment assessment may be required if events occur that indicate an impairment might be present. For example, a substantial decline in the Company’s market capitalization, unexpected adverse business conditions, economic factors and unanticipated competitive activities may signal that an interim impairment test is needed. Accordingly, among other factors, the Company monitors changes in its share price between annual impairment tests. The Company considers a decline in its share price that corresponds to an overall deterioration in stock market conditions to be less of an indicator of goodwill impairment than a unilateral decline in its share price reflecting adverse changes in its underlying operating performance, cash flows, financial condition, and/or liquidity. In the event that the Company’s market capitalization does decline below its book value, the Company would consider the length and severity of the decline and the reason for the decline when assessing whether potential goodwill impairment exists. The Company believes that short-term fluctuations in share prices may not necessarily reflect underlying values.

The Company performs its annual goodwill impairment test in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. The goodwill impairment test consists of two steps. In step one, the Company compares the carrying value of each reporting unit to its fair value. In step two, if the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the Company will determine the amount of goodwill impairment as the excess of the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill over its fair value, if any. The fair value of goodwill is derived as the excess of the fair value of the reporting unit over the fair value of the reporting unit’s identifiable assets and liabilities.

Deferred Financing Costs

Deferred financing costs are presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt except for the deferred financing costs associated with the revolving-debt arrangements which are presented as assets. Deferred finance costs are amortized using the effective interest method as interest expense over the contractual lives of the related credit facilities.

Foreign Currency Translation

The assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign operations having a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate prevailing at the balance sheet date, and at the average exchange rate for the reporting period for revenue and expense accounts. The cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment is recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income in shareholders’ equity.

Foreign currency exchange gains and losses on transactions occurring in a currency other than an operation’s functional currency are recognized in net income (loss).

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is realized or realizable and earned when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the price to the customer is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured.

Product Sales

The Company recognizes product sales revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, collectability is reasonably assured, and the price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, the timing of which is based on the specific contractual terms with each customer. Delivery occurs when title has transferred to the customer, and the customer has assumed the risks and rewards of ownership. As such, the Company generally recognizes revenue on a sell-in basis (i.e., record revenue upon delivery); however, based upon specific terms and circumstances, the Company has determined that, for certain arrangements with certain retailers and other third parties, revenue should be recognized on a sell-through basis (i.e., record revenue when products are dispensed to patients). In evaluating the proper revenue recognition for sales transactions, the Company considers all relevant factors, including additional discounts or extended payment terms which the Company grants to certain customers, often near the end of fiscal quarterly periods.

Revenue from product sales is recognized net of provisions for estimated cash discounts, allowances, returns, rebates, chargebacks and distribution fees paid to certain of the Company’s wholesale customers. The Company establishes these provisions concurrently with the recognition of product sales revenue. Price appreciation credits are generated when the Company increases a product’s wholesaler acquisition cost (“WAC”) under its contracts with certain wholesalers. Under such contracts, the Company is entitled to credits from such wholesalers for the impact of that WAC increase on inventory currently on hand at the wholesalers. Such credits, which can be significant, are used to offset against the total distribution service fees the Company pays on all of its products to each wholesaler. Net revenue on these credits is recognized on the date that the wholesaler is notified of the price increase. The Company offers cash discounts for prompt payment and allowances for volume purchases to customers. Provisions for cash discounts and allowances are estimated based on contractual sales terms with customers, an analysis of unpaid invoices, and historical payment experience. The Company generally allows customers to return product within a specified period of time before and after its expiration date, excluding the Company’s European businesses which generally do not carry a right of return. Provisions for returns are estimated based on historical sales and return levels, taking into account additional available information such as historical return and exchange levels, external data with respect to inventory levels in the wholesale distribution channel, external data with respect to prescription demand for the Company’s products, remaining shelf lives of the Company’s products at the date of sale and estimated returns liability to be processed by year of sale based on analysis of lot information related to actual historical returns. The Company reviews its methodology and adequacy of the provision for returns on a quarterly basis, adjusting for changes in assumptions, historical results and business practices, as necessary. The Company is subject to rebates on sales made under governmental and managed-care programs in the U.S., and chargebacks on sales made to government agencies, group purchasing organizations and other indirect customers. Provisions for rebates and chargebacks are estimated based on historical utilization levels, relevant statutes with respect to governmental pricing programs and contractual sales terms with managed-care providers and group purchasing organizations. Changes in the level of utilization of the Company’s products through private or public benefit plans and group purchasing organizations will impact the amount of rebates and chargebacks that the Company is obligated to pay.

The Company is party to product manufacturing and supply agreements with a number of commercialization counterparties in the U.S. Under the terms of these agreements, the Company’s supply prices for its products are determined after taking into consideration estimates for future returns, rebates, and chargebacks provided by each counterparty. The Company makes adjustments as needed to state these estimates on a basis consistent with this policy and its methodology for estimating returns, rebates and chargebacks related to its own direct product sales.

Research and Development Expenses

Costs related to internal research and development programs, including costs associated with the development of acquired IPR&D, are expensed as goods are delivered or services are performed. Under certain research and development arrangements with third parties, the Company may be required to make payments that are contingent on the achievement of specific developmental, regulatory and/or commercial milestones. Before a product receives regulatory approval, milestone payments made to third parties are expensed and included in Research and development costs when the milestone is achieved. Milestone payments made to third parties after regulatory approval is received are capitalized and amortized over the estimated useful life of the approved product.

Amounts due from third parties as reimbursement of development activities conducted under certain research and development arrangements are recognized as a reduction of research and development expenses.

Legal Costs

Legal fees and other costs related to litigation and other legal proceedings are expensed as incurred and are included in Selling, general and administrative expenses. Certain legal costs associated with acquisitions are included in Acquisition-related costs, and certain legal costs associated with divestitures, legal settlements, and other business development activity are included in Other expense (income) or Gain on investments, net (see Note 23), as appropriate. Certain costs for legal matters related to contingent liabilities assumed in the Salix Acquisition were recorded at estimated fair value (see Note 3). Legal costs expensed are reported net of expected insurance recoveries. A claim for insurance recovery is recognized when realization becomes probable.

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs comprise product samples, print media, promotional materials and television advertising. Advertising costs related to new product launches are expensed on the first use of the advertisement. Included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets are prepaid advertising costs of $8 million and $20 million, as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Included in Selling, general and administrative expenses are advertising costs of $564 million, $652 million and $435 million, for 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Share-Based Compensation

The Company recognizes all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options and restricted share units (“RSUs”), at estimated fair value. The Company amortizes the fair value of stock option or RSU grants on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the individual stock option or RSU grant, which generally equals the vesting period. Stock option and RSU forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Share-based compensation is recorded in Research and development expenses, Selling, general and administrative expenses and Other expense costs, as appropriate.

See “Adoption of New Accounting Standards” in this Note 2 below for details on the Company's adoption of a new standard related to share-based compensation.

Acquisition-Related Contingent Consideration

Acquisition-related contingent consideration, which primarily consists of potential milestone payments and royalty obligations, is recorded in the consolidated balance sheets at its acquisition date estimated fair value, in accordance with the acquisition method of accounting. The fair value of the acquisition-related contingent consideration is remeasured each reporting period, with changes in fair value recorded in the consolidated statements of (loss) income. The fair value measurement is based on significant inputs not observable in the market and thus represents a Level 3 measurement as defined in fair value measurement accounting.

Interest Expense

Interest expense includes standby fees and the amortization of debt discounts and deferred financing costs. Interest costs are expensed as incurred, except to the extent such interest is related to construction in progress, in which case interest is capitalized. Capitalized interest related to construction in progress for 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $24 million, $14 million and $7 million, respectively.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the differences between the financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities, and for operating losses and tax credit carryforwards. A valuation allowance is provided for the portion of deferred tax assets that is more likely than not to remain unrealized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates and laws. Deferred tax assets for outside basis differences in investments in subsidiaries are only recognized if the difference will be realized in the foreseeable future.

The tax benefit from an uncertain tax position is recognized only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing authority, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized from such position are measured based on the amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement. Liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions are classified as long-term unless expected to be paid within one year. Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions, if any, are recorded in the provision for income taxes and classified with the related liability on the consolidated balance sheets.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share attributable to Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. is calculated by dividing net income attributable to Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income attributable to Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period after giving effect to dilutive potential common shares for stock options and RSUs, determined using the treasury stock method.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income comprises net income and other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income includes items such as foreign currency translation adjustments, unrealized holding gains and losses on available-for-sale and other investments and certain pension and other postretirement benefit plan adjustments. Accumulated other comprehensive income is recorded as a component of shareholders’ equity.

Contingencies

In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to loss contingencies, such as claims and assessments arising from litigation and other legal proceedings, contractual indemnities, product and environmental liabilities, and tax matters. Accruals for loss contingencies are recorded when the Company determines that it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. If the estimate of the amount of the loss is a range and some amount within the range appears to be a better estimate than any other amount within the range, that amount is accrued as a liability. If no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount, the minimum amount of the range is accrued as a liability. These accruals are adjusted periodically as assessments change or additional information becomes available.

If no accrual is made for a loss contingency because the amount of loss cannot be reasonably estimated, the Company will disclose contingent liabilities when there is at least a reasonable possibility that a loss or an additional loss may have been incurred.

Certain legal-related contingencies assumed in the Salix Acquisition were recorded at estimated fair value (see Note 3).

Employee Benefit Plans

The Company sponsors various retirement and pension plans, including defined benefit pension plans, defined contribution plans and a participatory defined benefit postretirement plan. The determination of defined benefit pension and postretirement plan obligations and their associated expenses requires the use of actuarial valuations to estimate the benefits employees earn while working, as well as the present value of those benefits. Net actuarial gains and losses that exceed 10 percent of the greater of the plan’s projected benefit obligations or the market-related value of assets are amortized to earnings over the shorter of the estimated average future service period of the plan participants (or the estimated average future lifetime of the plan participants if the majority of plan participants are inactive) or the period until any anticipated final plan settlements.

Adoption of New Accounting Standards

In August 2014, the FASB issued guidance which requires management to assess an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related disclosures in certain circumstances. Under the new guidance, disclosures are required when conditions give rise to substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year from the financial statement issuance date. The guidance is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and all annual and interim periods thereafter. Early application is permitted. The Company has adopted the guidance in the fourth quarter of 2016 and provided the required disclosure in Note 11.

In February 2015, the FASB issued guidance which amends certain consolidation requirements. The new guidance has the following stipulations, among others: (i) eliminates the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership and eliminates the consolidation model specific to limited partnerships, (ii) clarifies when fees paid to a decision maker should be a factor to include in the consolidation of VIEs, (iii) amends the guidance for assessing how relationships of related parties affect the consolidation analysis of VIEs and (iv) reduces the number of VIE consolidation models from two to one by eliminating the indefinite deferral for certain investment funds. The guidance was effective for annual reporting periods (including interim reporting periods within those annual periods) beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company adopted this standard as of January 1, 2016 using the modified retrospective approach, as permitted, and, as such, prior periods were not retrospectively adjusted. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the presentation of the Company's results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

In March 2016, the FASB issued new guidance which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions. The areas for simplification include the accounting for income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, accounting for forfeitures, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted. The Company elected to early adopt this guidance in the third quarter of 2016 with January 1, 2016 being the effective date of adoption pursuant to the transition requirement of this new guidance. The impact of the adoption of this guidance is as follows:

•

Excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies, representing the realized tax effect on the difference between share-based compensation costs deductible for tax purposes and for accounting purposes, are recognized prospectively in the provision for income taxes instead of additional paid-in capital. As a result of the adoption, a cumulative-effect adjustment of $30 million was recorded to deferred tax asset and accumulated deficit as of January 1, 2016 for the previously unrecognized excess tax benefits. The Company is also required to apply this aspect of the guidance retrospectively as if the adoption is effective as of January 1, 2016. However, given the impact of adoption for the interim periods of 2016 was insignificant, the Company recorded the cumulative impact of adoption for the six months ended June 30, 2016 in the third quarter of 2016;

•

Excess tax benefits are classified as operating cash flows instead of financing cash flows effective January 1, 2016 and the Company has elected to apply this requirement on a retrospective basis. As a result of the adoption, cash flows provided by operating activities increased by $57 million and $17 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and cash flows provided by financing activities decreased by $57 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 and cash flows used in financing activities increased by $17 million for the year ended December 31, 2014.

•

The calculation of diluted weighted-average number of common shares excludes excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies in the calculation of assumed proceeds under the treasury stock method prospectively effective January 1, 2016. The adoption of this aspect of the guidance did not have an effect on the Company's previously reported diluted earnings per share for the first and second quarters of 2016 given the Company reported a net loss for each of those reporting periods; and


•	The Company elected to continue its current policy of estimating forfeitures rather than recognizing forfeitures when they occur.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards, Not Adopted as of December 31, 2016

In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance on recognizing revenue from contracts with customers. The core principle of the revenue model is that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In applying the revenue model to contracts within its scope, an entity will: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer, (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determine the transaction price, (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. In addition to these provisions, the new standard provides implementation guidance on several other topics, including the accounting for certain revenue-related costs, as well as enhanced disclosure requirements. The new guidance requires entities to disclose both quantitative and qualitative information that enables users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. In March 2016, the FASB issued an amendment to clarify the implementation guidance around considerations whether an entity is a principal or an agent, impacting whether an entity reports revenue on a gross or net basis. In April 2016, the FASB issued an amendment to clarify guidance on identifying performance obligations and the implementation guidance on licensing. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods (including interim reporting periods within those periods) beginning after December 15, 2017. Early application is permitted but not before the annual reporting period (and interim reporting period) beginning January 1, 2017. Entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or a modified approach to adopt the guidance. In 2017, the Company has initiated its project plan for adopting this guidance, which includes a detailed assessment program and a training program for its personnel. The Company preliminarily concluded that it will adopt the new guidance using the modified approach, under which the new guidance will be adopted retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initial application of the guidance recognized on the date of initial application (which is January 1, 2018).

In January 2016, the FASB issued guidance which amends the classification and measurement of investments in equity securities and the presentation of certain fair value changes for financial liabilities measured under the fair value option. The guidance also amends certain disclosure requirements associated with the fair value of financial instruments. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early application is permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact of adoption of this guidance on its financial position, results of operations and disclosures.

In February 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on leases. The new guidance will increase transparency and comparability among organizations that lease buildings, equipment, and other assets by recognizing the assets and liabilities that arise from lease transactions. Current off-balance sheet leasing activities will be required to be reflected on balance sheets so that investors and other users of financial statements can more readily and accurately understand the rights and obligations associated with these transactions. Consistent with the current lease standard, the new guidance addresses two types of leases: finance leases and operating leases. Finance leases will be accounted for in substantially the same manner as capital leases are accounted for under current GAAP. Operating leases will be accounted for (both in the income statement and statement of cash flows) in a manner consistent with operating leases under existing GAAP. However, as it relates to the balance sheet, lessees will recognize lease liabilities based upon the present value of remaining lease payments and corresponding lease assets for operating leases with limited exception. The new guidance will also require lessees and lessors to provide additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures to help financial statement users assess the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. These disclosures are intended to supplement the amounts recorded in the financial statements so that users can understand more about the nature of an organization’s leasing activities. The new guidance is effective for annual reporting periods (including interim reporting periods within those annual periods) beginning after December 15, 2018. Early application is permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact of adoption of this guidance on its financial position, results of operations and disclosures.

In June 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on the impairment of financial instruments requiring an impairment model based on expected losses rather than incurred losses. Under this guidance, an entity recognizes as an allowance its estimate of expected credit losses. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those annual periods. The Company is evaluating the impact of adoption of this guidance on its financial position, results of operations and the statement of cash flows.

In August 2016, the FASB issued new guidance which adds or clarifies the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows (including debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs, contingent consideration payment after a business combination, and distributions received from equity method investees). The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact of adoption of this guidance on the statement of cash flows.

In October 2016, the FASB issued new guidance which removes the prohibition against the immediate recognition of the current and deferred income tax effects of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact of adoption of this guidance on its financial position, results of operations, the statement of cash flows and disclosures.

In October 2016, the FASB issued new guidance which amends consolidation guidance on how a reporting entity that is the single decision maker of a VIE should treat indirect interests in the entity held through related parties that are under common control with the reporting entity when determining whether it is the primary beneficiary of that VIE. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The Company is evaluating the impact of adoption of this guidance on its financial position, results of operations, the statement of cash flows and disclosures.

In November 2016, the FASB issued new guidance which adds and clarifies the classification and presentation of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The Company is evaluating the impact of adoption of this guidance on its statement of cash flows.

In January 2017, the FASB issued new guidance which clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of assisting with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those annual periods. The Company is evaluating the impact of adoption of this guidance on its financial position and disclosures.

In January 2017, the FASB issued new guidance which simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating the "Step 2" from the goodwill impairment test. The Board also eliminated the requirements for any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount to perform a qualitative assessment. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The Company will continue to evaluate the potential impact of this guidance when adopted, which could have a significant impact on its financial position, results of operations, the statement of cash flows and disclosures, particularly in respect of the Salix reporting unit in which its carrying value exceeded its fair value as of the date of the annual goodwill impairment test in 2016 (see Note 9).